Tempe Orek (Indonesian Spicy Fermented Soy Beans)

Indonesian Food (Ikan Cabe Ijo). Indonesian Cuisine (Terong Balado Pedas Manis). Indonesian Cooking (Sayur Lodeh). Yes I am. I am the star. The number one, glittering, shining star. The star as an avid, number one fan of Indonesian food or Indonesian cuisine. I am also the glossy, twinkling and lighted up star as well to Indonesian cooking (Sambal Goreng Teri). Of course. I know. Self praise is a disgrace. Then again? Who cares? I don't because if you don't praise yourself, like what? You are waiting for others to praise you? Oh please. Cut the crab. Anyway, I am without a doubt, the cooking star in my kitchen. In my own ways as the Indonesian chef in my house. But not like kinda, I have cooked a whole, long stretch of Indonesian dishes. The essentials though. The most probably, famed ones though (Ikan Balado) and my trip to Indonesia a couple of years ago? Oh-My-My-Love (Surakarta/Solo). The daily food love affair to Indonesian food happiness, which included the various types of tempe dishes (Yogyakarta Indonesia).

Sabah (East Malaysia) - Nava K's Discovery (Part 3)

Day 5 in Sabah. Off for another two, facing the beach sight viewing (Sabah Part 2 & Sabah Part 1). How did it go? By this day. Hah! I somehow managed to put the Sabah jigsaw puzzle into perspective for getting a clearer picture of what is going on. Without a doubt. My smartness. Yea. Mine alright. My smartness concluded that, my so called advisers didn't do their homework about any damn thing in Sabah. Apart from wrong projections on land prices, they had almost nil knowledge about land transactions, nor any clue what soever about the business indicators in Sabah. Damnit! On the contrary, I must thank some of the good people I came in contact with. They actually making it a point in sharing their expertise unselfishly on the hidden, unspoken and nitty-gritty business insights in Sabah. Furthermore, aha, I had also done my fair share of homework before leaving home, particularly on native land purchasing and how complicated it can be. Anyway. Anyhow. As frustrated as I was. I felt like a hero for my learning curve and knowledge on how, to a certain extent, doing business in Sabah can be complicated. Done. Over. Full stop. By day 5, I knew. I must give up. Either temporary or permanently on my future vision and mission in Sabah.

Western Style Pan Grilled Spicy Salmon

Salmon! Of course. Why not? Salmon. I must admit, is a favorite in my house. Furthermore, when its a matter of mind over matter for cooking salmon, oh yes, easy cooking and cooked in a jiffy. Salmon also, on the whole is tastiness by itself and just a couple of ingredients will do the job as well (Grilled Salmon). Of course, if you want to elevate the tastes of salmon further to another higher level for other dishes? You can and you should (Burmese Biryani & Thai Fish Noodle Soup). What about how much will you pay for salmon? Definitely higher compared to our Malaysian local catch, yet, I don't mind spending the extra. Not always, but every now and then will do (Indian Spiced Salmon). Furthermore, even if its fresh salmon, the frozen ones can be a perfect fit for any dish you have on mind. Me and salmon? Certainly. Absolutely. Without a doubt (Tandoori Salmon & Lemon Butter Salmon).  

Sabah (East Malaysia) - Nava K's Discovery (Part 2)

Day 3 in Sabah (Sabah Part 1). Hello Kota Kinabalu by 6.30am. Well! Oh well, well, well! Sleeping in a hotel room. Even if its the best room in the world? Even how tired I am. Never been like the best sleep, because, the best sleep for me, has to be my humble bed at home. Furthermore. Over the last  year or so, I've developed the habit to, like some, or all of you, who believe in, early to rise, early to shine is the key to starting your day promisingly. Also, the first thing for me when I wake up. Even before brushing my teeth. Of course. After a glass of warm water. The health is wealth trend. Next will be. Has to be. Must be. The aroma and taste of a cuppa of coffee for a fabulous, positive happy morning start up. Folllowed by, least to least, one full circle and cycle of "Surya Namaskar (Yoga Sun Salutation) gratiifying gratitude to the morning sun. Therefore, this day starting off on the same note. Water, coffee culture, and me the yoga practitioner respecting the sun. Then of course shower, and out of the hotel by 9.30am, for a basic, simple and no frill breakfast. 

Burmese Masoor Dal. Burmese Dal Gravy.

Dal, or dhal. However you want to spell. Dal. One of the family members of legumes. Dal. Without a doubt, synonymous for Indian cooking, including for Nava K's Indian household cooking and I know that, dal is an appreciated ingredient for other types of cuisines as well. My dal recipes? Aha! Tadaa! Here we go (Udupi Sambar, Palakura Pappu, Andra Sambar & Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal). What about dal in Burma, now known as Myanmar? Absolutely. Down the memory lane of Indians from India and spreading their dal cultural cooking heritage in Myanmar. The question now is? How do I know about Burmese Masoor Dal? Hah! Been there. Done it. Been to Myanmar, and have tasted their dal dishes. My story. This is my story. My Burmese or Myanmar food story, alongside my dal cooking story (Mulligatawny Soup, Tanni Saar & Dal Rice). By the way, for your information. This Masoor Dal Gravy. Sure. Must be regarded as a close cousin, to the varies types of Indian Dal Curries or Gravies (Fish Sambar, Palak Sambar, Bitter Gourd Sambar, Drumstick Sambar, Simple Sambar & Mysore Sambar). Pretty much? Obviously? Of course. Like I have told you? The influence of Indians from India and spreading their dal cooking skills and knowledge, once and after they step foot in Myanmar back then. Alright. Shall we get to the recipe now please. We shall and, until the next pitching of mine, take care everyone. 

Sabah (East Malaysia) - Nava K's Discovery (Part 1)

Finally! Me and Sabah? Yes. Indeed. Me in Sabah at the earliest date in the month of February. Finally!! Yes. Can you believe it? After Nava K being on or in this earth for the last 56 years. Before. Even before, or whilst Covid 19 was getting upbeat and ready for showing its true colors, and before this virus crushing, crumbling and tumbling on my travelling life and style. Now, what's with me tripping in, on, over, above, under and about Sabah? Aha! The big dreams of mine. The future goals of mine. Which mind you, ending up as a major massive, thundering disappointment. To tell you the truth, I was utterly shattered. I was utterly broken into pieces. Until, I felt like, each and every part of me, including my inner wings of emotional strength, were like, torn and tattered into pieces. Duh! Doomer to whatever I wanted to achieve in Sabah for my future. 

Nyonya Fish Curry.

Nyonya Cuisine. Nyonya Food. Nyonya cooking and Nava K? Yes. Yes. Yes. Shouldn't I or should I proudly profess that I am a Nyonya food hero (Ikan Buah Keluak & Ayam Buah Keluak)? Why not? I know self praise can be a disgrace, then again? Don't we all, can't we all ought to be proud of our achievements? We must for a fact (Nyonya Mee Siam, Nyonya Curry Laksa & Nyonya Lam Mee). We absolutely should. Without doubting our capabilities and abilities. Furthermore. I am proud. Yes I am. My credentials in culinary arts. Though in the specific niche area of Bread Making and Patisserie. Of course, self learning can be regarded as learning as well? Building from the base of knowledge and learning curve we have obtained? Where has this learning curve led me to? Having cooked and still learning by improving my knowledge, skills and abilities by cooking various dishes from various contingents. Recipe of the day? For show casing my "know how" to Nyonya recipes? Nyonya Fish Curry, aka Nyonya Curry Fish. Splendidness and awesomeness. The revelation and role play of the true, authentic, sincere and genuine Nyonya tastes and flavours (Nyonya Fish Sambal, Ayam Pongteh & Nyonya Steamed Fish). By the way, for your information, I've made a different version of Nyonya Fish Curry before. Known as Nyonya Assam Fish Curry. Let's say, this latest Nyonya Fish Curry style of mine is the updated, upgraded and rebooted version. Also, if you click on all the links I've linked, they will be the treasures to other Nyonya recipes too. Happy cooking everyone!

Chinese Herbal Pork Soup

I love this, or the whole idea of making Chinese soups. Yes. I do. I do. I do. Mainly because? Chinese soups. They are such an easy Chinese style uncomplicated cooking. Furthermore. Chinese soups. On the whole. Nutritious, healthy, whether the vegetarian versions (Vegetarian Chinese Winter Melon Soup, Old Cucumber Soup, Chinese Tofu Soup & Burdock Root Soup) or non-vegetarian versions as well, and for me personally, Chinese soups, they are such a delightful appetizing food eating world. Basically, I simply adore Chinese soups. Love, love, love and all the loving loved loves in the food world for Chinese soups. Made before. Of course I have. I mean, it has to be when I am also an avid food fan of Chinese food overall. Including the various types of Chinese noodle soups too (Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup, Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup, Bee Hoon Soup & Sichuan Noodle Soup).

Vegetarian Asam Pedas (Asam Pedas Sayur)

Masakan sayur-sayuran. Sayur sahaja. Betul tu. Sayur sahaja, dan takda, atau tanpa daging, tanpa ternakan, tanpa buruan dan tanpa ikan. Itulah resep kita hari ini. Boleh dikatakan sebagai, satu hidangan dengan sayur-sayuran and resepnya adalah Vegetarian Asam Pedas, atau Asam Pedas Sayur. Masakan sayur-sayuran, atau disebut sebagai vegetarian dishes, memang sudah ujuk berzaman-zaman dahulu dan sekarang, nampaknya, terdapat golongan yang memilih atau lebih gemar makan sayur sayur sahaja. Bukan setakat kaum India, tetapi kuam Cina, juga orang dinegara Barat dan kaum Melayu pun saya dengar berminat or memilih makanan sayur-sayuran sahaja. Apa sebabnya? Mungkin kerana kesihatan kut? Mungkin. Atau sebab-sebab peribadi mereka sendiri? Biar lah. Saya pun bukan-nya suka jaga tepi kain orang pun. Tapi, sudah jelas peminat peminat masakan berasa and berperisa sayur sayuran sudah popular. Vegetarian Asam Pedas/Asam Pedas Sayur ini? Memang disyurkan kepada sesiapa yang vegetarian or yang juga gemar makanan sayur-sayuran. Walau bagaimana pun, kalau nak juga hidangan ikan asam pedas or asam dengan ikan, inilah - Ikan Goreng Asam Jawa, Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal, Ikan Goreng Asam dan Assam Fish Curry. 

(Note: for those of you who can't read Bahasa Malaysia, please refer to the video attached right at the bottom for the recipe)

Ikan Goreng Asam Jawa (Tamarind Fried Fish)

Hah! Memang kegemaran saya. Saya ini? Saya lah Nava K. Saya adalah salah seorang peminat setia and suci makanan Melayu. Semua pun boleh. Budu, tempoyak, jering, petai, sambal belacan, pucuk rebung dan lain-lain lagi. Termasuk Ikan Goreng Asam Jawa yang saya kongsi hari ini. Pernah masak berbilang-bilang kali. Tapi inilah kali pertama sebagai entri blog dan video youtube pun sudah sedia untuk petikan dan tuntunan anda semua. Video memasak Ikan Goreng Asam Jawa, atau, Tamarind Fried Fish sebenarnya dalam Bahasa Tamil and Bahasa Inggeris. Kira-nya, bilingual video. Kenapa ya? Sebab saya nak memperkenangkan masakan Melayu kepada kaum India, juga orang di negara Barat dan sesiapa saja, dimana saja, yang boleh faham Bahasa Tamil and Bahasa Inggeris. Dah cukup lah tu. Cerita panjang tak payah lah kan? Jom kita masak Ikan Goreng Asam Jawa atau Tamarind Fried Fish. Jumpa lagi ya, lain kali. 

Note: Those of you who don't speak, neither can read Bahasa Malaysia, recipe awaits you at my YouTube channel, and of course video is attached below as well. 

Pulau Pangkor (Perak) - Masi Magam Thiruvalla 2020

Back from India by the first week of December, 2019 (New Delhi North India)? Of course. You know me? Me. The me, myself and I anytime me? Yea. Anytime. At any given time. Me? Always like, on your mark, ready, steady and go. Anything goes. As long as? Yessss!! Out of my home zone galloping again. Actually, I already have my plan in place. In the pipeline for this year, 2020. Two overseas trips. Confirmed and affirmed. Still? I wanted, a in between escape route beyond the borders and boundaries of my home. Anyway. Before anything else? Aha! Thaipusam, Lord Murugan and myself? Vel Vel Murugan for a different reason this year (Thaipusam Batu Caves 2020).

Thaipusam Batu Caves 2020 - Nava K & Her Service to Lord Murugan

Religionism and Nava K? Are we? We. The both of us. Are we the closest, cannot live without each other best friends? Yes. Why not. What about, can we be regarded as close cousins, or is there the strength, the strongest bond of love between us? Absolutely. Without a doubt. All the yesses! After all? Religionism and Nava K? This lady and her Hindu religion? She. Born and bred as a Hindu and she will remain as a Hindu for the years she has on this earth. Then again? You know what? Strange. Really strange. I only started learning about Hinduism just, about a year ago. Just a year ago. Can you believe it? Though, I thought, I knew my Hindu credentials at the back of my hand. Sadly. Very sad. Tragically so sad. Because? The reality has been otherwise. To a certain extent, I knew the gist of my religion. But after starting my journey. My journey to embracing Hatha Yoga, which is now part and parcel of my life, the desire in me towards my religion? Spiralled. Until, I started, learning on my own. From a stretch. The things I didn't know. The things I didn't understand. The things I am not aware about, basically, digging deepest for seeking answers about Hinduism.

New Delhi - North India (Day 2)

New Delhi. Day 2 (Delhi Part 1). Winter. Last winter. Winter. This winter. This first week of December winter specifically? Winterrrrrrrr! Oh-no! One hack of a winter. Winter, as if, getting ready for showing its true colors in full force. Full force lashing most probably by the next few days. Winter! Oh my god! Oh your god! Winter literally penetrating, pricking and needling me, deep, deep into my skin and further deeper into my tiny bones. You know what? I struggled. Massively. I had a hard time putting up with winter which was clinging on to me like a lost child. Furthermore, wouldn't just leave me alone. The breeze. Especially. Blowing up, down, and aha, even in between my legs. Until? Not only my fingers and toes were frozen, even inside my "Pussy Willow" and the pussy willow of mine, trembling quivering. Oh boy!

Malaysian Egg Curry/Kari Telur Malaysia

Malaysian Egg Curry. Aka, Kari Telur Malaysia. Or Malaysian Muttai, or Kottai (opphs no!! Slip of the tongue is not the fault of the mind?) Kulambu. Now, is this Malaysian Egg Curry, made in Nava K's kitchen anything outstanding? Or out of this world? Or, anywhere close or closest to a Michelin star cooking? Nope. Not at all. I'm cock certain it is not. But? Aha? If you are looking for the most simplest, easy to put together, easy cooking style egg curry, this is it. This Malaysian Egg Curry by this, "The Crazy Lover". As the best fit for you and trust me. Rest assured. Without compromising on the much loved, quintessential, bolstering, thundering and rekindling your hunger profoundly curry. The best part of it all? Just a couple, yep, the coupling of the basic, pantry friendly ingredients, which most probably, you stock up at home?

New Delhi - North India (Winter Time)

Delhi. Old Delhi or New India? New. New Delhi. Two days in New Delhi, the morning after Agra (Agra & Jaipur Rajasthan). Delhi at our helms by 1.30pm, after, almost, 5 hours of road tripping. Delhi. The capital city of India, and Delhi, which was the landing right of ours as well. As in? Meaning? In other words? Delhi is where we landed on the first day, for kick starting this, North India tour of ours (Varanasi), and Delhi, yes, will be our closure too. Closure? Closure as in? Up, up in the air. Delhi sky high up. When night has fallen in Delhi. We will be flying sky high for grounding back, on the ground of our mother land or father land, Malaysia. Delhi. The city to messy massive traffic. What else, by the way, is new in other parts of India as well? Almost the same story (Chennai South India). Let alone, the honking that can literally rip your ears apart, plus, Oh-God-Oh-No. The sheer number of crowded congested human traffic in Delhi? Pretty much? Mmmm!! Welcome to the hustle and bustle, craziness of Delhi. The day in day out, life and style of Delhi.

On our itinerary? In the moment in time, upon stepping foot in Delhi? Of course. Food start up. Our first ever meal in Delhi. Basically, lunch in Delhi and lunch in Restaurant "Flavour Of Southvala" (Karol Bagh). By the travelling guide line of this tour, lunch to each our own concept, since meals are not covered. Me? Me. The, eating a bird person. Three of us to sharing. Paper Tosai and Non-Veg Thali Set. Wah! Good Food. Nice Food. Delicious food. Yummzii Food. Of course, how can not yours truly, she love, love, love and love India Made Bru Coffee.

Over. Lunch concluded. Thereafter? To Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi. Goodness me! In the Indian snaking (opphs!!) queue. Long queue mind you, and winter on this particular day? Bang! Winter wild like me, winter wild coldness practically banging all around for quivering my bones. Huhhhhhh! Cold. Anyway, from the queue to the security check. Thorough checking for ensuring that none is carrying handphone or camera, and then, into Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi.

Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi
Opened 6th November 2005

Constructed by Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)

Inspired by HH Yogiji Maharaj (1892-1971 CE)

Created by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj

More than 300,000,000 volunteer hours went into making the complex

Over 8,000 volunteers from across the world participated in building it

Mandir built from intricately carved sandstone and marble 

Exhibitions on Hinduism, including Bhagwan Swaminarayan's life and teachings such as prayer, compassion, and non-violence.

Open gardens, water bodies and step-well styled courtyard 

(Picture credit - akshardham.com)

Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi. Awww!! Amazing! The luxurious stunning master class piece. Damn nice. Yea. I am ranking Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi  as one of the prides of New Delhi and one which, I didn't honestly, know nuts or bolts about. Worth it. So worthy Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi. In fact, some of those in this tour commented that, Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi is as equal or even better status standing in comparison to Taj Mahal. Really? Should I agree? No. Not at all. Both Taj Mahal and Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi are a class to their own uniqueness. I won’t compare. I don’t think you should look at both of these and make a comparison. Just set them apart as they are please.  The end. 

End of sightseeing. In fact. The one and only, Day 1 New Delhi sightseeing. What about for the rest of the day? Late evening till whatever time you want to cap time? Shopping. Shopping in Karol Bagh. Shop, please go ahead, shop till you drop if you want in Karol Bagh. Karol Bagh! A major hype amongst tourist shopping district. Especially, our Malaysian Indians? Shopping on the whole in whichever part of India.  What about me? Did I shop or least to least, did my jaw drop? Oh please. Neh. To tell you the truth, Karol Bagh wasn’t a big deal or biggest deal for me. As it is, shopping is not at all the reason why I travel. Shopping by the way, has already long been abolished from my list. Furthermore, for someone like me who have been in and out of such shopping districts in other parts of the world? Like what? Like nothing I will die for. Having said that, in all fairness, I did my honor to seeing and exploring Karol Bagh. I mean, if you have come this far to New Delhi and you wouldn’t even want to leave your foot prints in Karol Bagh? What a shame. 

Almost an hour, in and out of a couple of boutiques, street shops and street stalls, enough. Enough of Karol Bagh. More than enough of aimlessly walking up and down. The logical choice then? To the hotel, located within a 15 minutes walking distance, But, ahhhhhhh! How frustrating. The two of us lost it. We got lost in the midst to the direction. Such a confusing matter it turned out to be. Imagine? You are in a carnival like busy street, surrounded and swarmed by hell of a lot of, mostly locals and making the matter worst, the chaotic traffic. Not to forget, the stares. Stares from of course the Delhi men, who were mind you, come to think of it, not bad looking. Yet, when they dare stare right into your eyes non-stop? Phew! Oh boy! Having no other choice, we braved ourselves in asking for the direction and. Thank god. Thank all the gods in Delhi. We made it one piece. Into the hotel and straight up to my room. Done! The end. Day 1 in Delhi.  

Taj Mahal Agra - (North India)

And the journey. The journey of five and a half hours (More or less. Approximately). The journey from Jaipur (Jaipur The Love City & Jaipur Part 1) to Agra. The journey to, keeping my ass, staying put in my seat in the coach. Ahhhh! Ass. Ass literally. Fried up, down, under, above and inside. You know. This kind of long journeys. Especially for yours truly? Someone who can't keep her ass quiet. Hahaha!! She. Nava K. The hyper, fidgety, colors of "My Fifty Five Life" bright colors lively character, and tell me about my mouth. Mouth of mine? My big fat mouth which must battle wrestle out of me. The chatter box mouth of mine. Mmmmm!!!! Thank god. I had company. Company to a small number of liberal, happy go, lucky come ladies and guys in this tour (Varanasi Part 3). The bubbly and cheerful characters like me. We had fun. We giggling over silly jokes and of course, Nava K? The crowned glory to "Laughter Therapy Guru".

Jaipur, Rajasthan - The Love City (North India)

Jaipur! So far, so absolutely amazing, fascinating and an absolute wonder world. To tell you the truth, Jaipur, without a doubt, had already conquered and captured my travelling, shining like diamond love essence. Even from the moment I was passing by and before getting down from the coach. Jaipur! Known as the "Pink City" obviously, for me personally, on the contrary, Jaipur is the "Love City". Why love are you asking me? Oh-Well. I somehow seemingly felt the love connection for Jaipur. Yea! Love! Love. Always the number one priority for literally everything in my life, and in whatever I do, and in Jaipur (Jaipur Part 1), my love for Jaipur, was pouring, oozing and dripping non-stop. Due to the underpinning, openly shown or hidden love at the sightseeing spots. In fact, even the North Indians (South India, Chennai) I bumped into and spoke to. By virtue of, staying at the hotels, shopping, whether at the shopping malls or streets, of course sightseeing places must be included as well, plus the tour guides (Varanasi North India). The tour guides who were directly or indirect correlated to love. Love as in the tour service they provided by not being selfish with their knowledge, bundled alongside bundles of smiles and laughter. All of these, all, lock, stock and barrel, trust me, whispered the language of love or akin the loud love bells ringing into my ears and on every note, in and out of my inner and outer senses.  

Kari Kambing Malaysia (Malaysian Mutton Curry)

It's that time again, folks - time for a culinary adventure! Today, we're diving into the wonderful world of Malaysian cuisine with my special creation: Malaysian Mutton Curry, or as I like to call it, Kari Kambing Malaysia. Now, you might be wondering why a Malaysian twist on mutton curry? Well, let me tell you, it's all about celebrating my Malaysian roots and the love I have for my homeland.

 

But enough about that, let's get down to business. This recipe is my own invention, so trust me when I say, you're in for a treat. I've experimented with mutton curry countless times, and this version is truly something special.

Jaipur, Rajasthan (North India) - Part 1

Heart sank. Yesss! Mine. Mine, mine, mine. My, my one and only fragile heart. My heart gradually sinking, as if, to the lowest and deepest, plunging into Ganges River. Or maybe. Sinking like, the fast or slow sinking of the "Titanic". Trust me. Wasn't easy. When I have to say, when I to bid bye-bye to Varanasi (Varanasi Part 3). I felt, as though,I'm leaving behind a part of me in Varanasi. Varanasi which touched my Hindu Indian sentiment so profoundly until, I wanted more of Varanasi (Varanasi Part 2). One more day, one more night and what more, furthermore of Varanasi (Varanasi Part 1). Then again. The reality was otherwise. Because? Pretty much. We have already covered, if I am not mistaken, the lock, stock and barrel of Varanasi and coming with it, the quintessential Varanasi sightseeing spots.

Varanasi - North India (Part 3)

Varanasi. Yes. Of course. Precisely. Varanasi. So far. So good. Nothing much, honestly, no much I should complain about. In fact. A promising, fulfilling start I must state. Except maybe. The setback? Hotel Silk City. Mmmm!! Like a dungeon. Furnitures, fittings and the overall set-up? As if you have checked into an ancient old, war-torn hotel. To tell you the truth. I didn't know how to react the moment I stepped in. Sadly. Not at all to my taste infinitely. Then again? When you didn't pay for a  5 star  or even 4 star hotel? Keep quiet. Don't act, or behave like a standard mudguard please. Just make do with it. Yep. I had to remind myself.  Over and over, again and again. On a better note? Bathroom. The blessings to a clean, spic and span bath and toilet area. Thank god. The only bingo. The only bonus seemingly.

Varanasi - North India (Part 2)

Varanasi! Alright. From Delhi. Flight up, up and away in the air, before safely landing us in Varanasi. Thereafter. To the hotel and lunch (Varanasi Part 1). Up next? What else? Varanasi sightseeing. Pretty much. I mean, sightseeing must begin right? Of course. Without a doubt. Where to? As per our listing on our Varanasi itinerary card? For kick starting or jump starting our tour? Shri Viswanath Mandir. Aka, Viswanath Temple, New Viswanath Temple or Birla Temple. Temple located in Banaras Hindu University. Dedicated to Lord Shiva. Known for its tallest temple tower in the world and when holiness is a righteous or rigorous matter in Varanasi or even holiness "Holy Art Thou" in other parts in South India (Chennai & Bangalore) as well? Oh-sure. For us Hindus? Prayers and praying. Or apart from seeking god's blessings, we fulfilling our vows we have prior prioritised. What about Nava K? Good question? Remember? I think I have told you before? Me nor not definitely the most holiness Hindu grain. Yet. Sincerely. Honestly. Needles to say. I am a strong and firm believer of god, in god and towards god. Whichever god. Any god. Any god from any religion or ethnicity for the matter. But. Definitely. I will forever remain as the number one Indian Hindu holiness.

Varanasi - North India (Part 1)

South India! Oh-My-God. Hallelujah. Finally. After all these years. Me in this earth for 55 years. Finally. I achieved. I achieved a fair share of South India (Chennai). 3 months ago. Having said that, there's still, still, a good number of places in South India, yet for Nava K to be seen and explored. Those places. Aha! Call me the earliest worm for putting my globe trekking in place, those places have already been plotted and projected as part and parcel of my, towards 3/4 of year 2020 travelling itinerary. Furthermore. If all goes well, hopefully, as I badly want to, this coming South India holidaying of mine. Yes please. Back to solo. All by myself in an arranged tour. Solo travelling personally for me? To tell you the truth, I've been missing it. I do, mind you, long for solo travelling every now and then. Why? Well. Obviously. I can do as I like. At my own whims and fancy. My free and easy time. Plus, I tend to embark on soul searching on my future each time I travel alone. 

Chennai (South India) - Nava K Explored

Chennai! Welcome to noise, pollution, traffic jam honking and honking non-stop, and the crazy hustle and bustle of daily life. Chennai! Where smile is like a rare commodity as well. Duh! What a life. The cut and dry Chennai culture. Unlike in Malaysia. Though, I must admit, its a mad life in our Malaysian cities too. Yet. Chennai life. Far out, the shocking shocker rocker, which really shook me and believe me you, never ever will I even consider uprooting my Malaysian roots to be planted in Chennai, or anywhere in South India (Madurai/Trichy). Of course, without a doubt, Chennai has made its mark as a popular holidaying and shopping destination amongst Malaysian Indians. Especially the shopping obsession in Chennai. As if, come of it guys, as if we are short of those things you can buy in Chennai and mind you, sometimes, some things are actually cheaper in Malaysia due to our Malaysian traders importing in bulk. In return, we paying a better price. Then again? Why bother putting sense to those who think they know better? I won't anyway. No doubt, maybe for certain items, like sarees, there's millions of choices in Chennai. Otherwise? I rest my case.

Masak Lemak Sayur (Malay Style Vegan Coconut Milk Stew)

Of course. Anything is possible. Including a Malay style vegan coconut stew. Who said you can't?  Who? Who is saying. No. Not me though. In fact, this recipe of mine, evidently? Pretty much, proven. Our Malay or Malaysian vegan or vegetarian coconut milk stew (Sayur Lodeh Vegetarian, Gado Gado Vegetarian & Vegetable Kurma). Coconut Milk (Vegetarian Nyonya Laksa, Vegetarian Nasi Lemak  & Vegetarian Mutton Rendang). Oh yes! Once said as the disaster for our health. But today, the same smart ones are professing that coconut milk or even, because coconut oil has been re-branded as "virgin coconut oil", these are for our healthiness. As if, like, our Malaysian coconut milk (Curry Mee Vegetarian) and coconut oil has never been virgins. Damn! How ingredients theories can be twisted and turned. By the way, for your information, I'm not a virgin or even "like a virgin". Hehehe!! I speak the truth and nothing but the truth. Tadaa!!

Chinese Style Eggplant

Eggplant. Sure. Truly and sincerely. A favourite in my house and eggplant, the edible fruit which, by far, as far as I know, pretty much really affordable as well. Like, you can pick up two or three eggplant, for, let's say, RM3.00 and the other I must say is that, you can convert eggplant to various types of dishes (Eggplant Tikka Masala, Japanese Eggplant Saute, Thai Style Eggplant & Indian Style Fried Eggplant). Of course. I know better because, if you are looking for eggplant recipes, look no further. Whether eggplant by itself, or into curries or gravies (Goan Prawn Curry, Nadal Meen/Fish Curry, Vegetable Kurma & Dhal Mutton Curry). Also, either as a vegetarian or non-vegetarian meal tucking in. Eggplant. Yes. They are, mind you, from same purple or green family. Eggplant, or brinjal (Terong Balado Pedas Manis, Ennai Kathrikai Kuzambu/Brinjal Curry, Baingan Bharta & Brinjal Stir Fry) or aubergine (Thai Green Fish Curry & Thai Vegetable Curry).

South India - Madurai/Trichy (Nava K Explored)

How's the going been so far? Pretty much. Interesting and exciting. Of course, there's room, mind you, of course for bitching. Bitching about those things that didn't take off promisingly or didn't fall in place as expected. Still, in all fairness, I must credit this South India tour travelling of mine. Now, what about, the characters I have been travelling alongside so far? Aha! You meet all sort of characters in life, likewise, in a tour. The ones you can click with, the ones who can get on your nerves, the ones who love to complain for no apparent reason, the ones who think they are the smartest in the world and who not. Then again. Even when family travelling together or best buddies travelling together? I know. There will always be bitchy bitches bitchiness? Or males like pussycats, or pussy in boots? Unless, of course if you solo travel? Which by the way is my traveling call as well. But. South Indian solo me? Noooo!! I didn't dare and I won't dare as well in the future. The reason why I hopped into this tour (Mysore/Coimbatore & Bangalore).

South India - Kodaikanal (Nava K Explored)

Kodaikanal! The high up altitude. Yea. High up. Up there. 2,000 meters above sea level, also, a city in the hill of Dindigul district and obviously, sure, Kodaikanal as a nature grandeur. Of course. Of course. Me and nature? Nava K the nature loving and hailing person, though, lemme admit, no, nature walking or nature hiking is not my interest. Pretty much. Nevertheless, I am sincerely with any one of you who are into admiring nature and coming with it sightseeing. Henceforth, the moment we departed from Coimbatore (South India - Mysore/Coimbatore), I was already geared up for embracing nature in Kodaikanal. After all, throughout the years, much I have read and digested about Kodaikanal in the virtual world and should I also must mention all those Kodaikanal sharing on social media? No need right?

South India - Mysore/Coimbatore (Nava K Explored)

From Bangalore/Bangaluru, approximately, give in and take, our 4 hours drive landing us in Mysore. The start in Mysore/Mysuru? We being driven up the hill via the tight narrow route to Chamundeswari Temple (New Kantharaj Urs Rd).

South India - Bangalore/Bengaluru (Nava K Explored)

Finally! Oh My God! Must be the blessings showered upon me from afar, from the gods in South India. After years of faulty failures to planning and literally coaxing my other half-half for years as well. Hah! In the end, I gave a damn to every damn thing aside. Let alone this man I have been married to for donkeys years who wouldn't move his butt in accompanying me for a trip to South India. His reason. Mmmm! Plain simple and nothing new. Work commitment. Nevermind I told myself and instead of still keeping my fingers crossed, hoping things will change on my home front, I gave up. I went ahead by joining a tour. Tour of 8 people and mind you, except for knowing one person, the one who organised this tour, the rest unknown. Like it mattered to me anyway? Like you are friends needy for travelling and me, already crowned as a solo-traveller.

Sekinchan (Selangor) 1 Day Trip - Part 2

What else (Sekinchan Part 1)? What else must or should be considered as part and parcel of our sightseeing in Sekinchan? Okay. Lemme start. Ah Ma House, which by the way, wasn't like a major thing for us, thereafter, we heading to Paddy Processing Factory & Gallery. Just a short drive by the way. Within a distance of 3 or most to most 4 minutes. Anyway, Sekinchan, for your information, is a small town and most, in fact, all the sightseeing spots are located within a short distance. Plus, let me tell you ahead that sightseeing in Sekinchan can be completed within, a day or even lesser. Unless, of course, you want to remain in Sekinchan for another day or two? For reasons best known to you? Go ahead. Your time, you decide.